The Coalition of Hindus of North America, CoHNA has organized a peaceful protest today against recent attacks on Hindu temples in Canada. To stand in solidarity against “Khalistani intimidation” and “anti-Hindu” hate.
The protest will take place in front of the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton and the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Surrey. The CoHNA called participants through social media, “Join us for a peaceful protest on November 4th at 6 PM at Hindu Sabha Temple, Brampton and Laxmi Narayan Temple, Surrey.” They added, “After a day of violence against Hindu temples in Canada. Let’s stand united against Khalistani intimidation and anti-Hindu hate.”
A reported “violent disruption” occurred on Sunday at an Indian consular camp at the Hindu Sabha Temple in Brampton. The Hindu Canadian Foundation posted a video of the incident, claiming Khalistani terrorists attacked women and children in it.
The Indian High Commission in Canada strongly condemned the “violent disruption” caused by “anti-India” elements and expressed concern for the safety of all attendees. “We have seen violent disruption orchestrated by anti-India elements outside the consular camp,” it said. Asserting that adequate security arrangements need to be made for all future events.
The incident received sharp condemnation both within Canada and abroad. Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre termed the attack on the Hindu Sabha temple as “completely unacceptable.”
According to Member of Parliament Chandra Arya, Khalistani extremists have crossed a “red line,” indicating disturbing growth in violent extremism.
Another MP, Kevin Vuong, condemned the attack, saying, “Canada has become a safe harbor for radicals.”
He further blamed the government for not protecting the Hindus. As it had failed to do with Christians and Jewish Canadians.
Similarly, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned the attack based on freedom of religion as an inalienable right.
Additionally, he said it is one’s right to practice his or her religion safely. “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable,” Trudeau said in a social media post.
The latest incident joins a spate of such attacks. It also indicates a disturbing trend of religious intolerance in Canada.
ANI